The Internet reacts to Instagram's new terms of service

Pretty filters may have helped hook people initially, but the mix of quality photography and right-here-right-now snapshots has led to a thriving community of more than 100 million people and millions more compelling images.

Instagram might have cooked its own goose, however, with recent updates to its terms of service (ToS). It led many to believe that Instagram would have the right to sell their photos. That's not possible: You retain the copyright on images you share on Instagram.

Instagram cofounder Kevin Systrom attempted to clear up some concerns, and promised to fix any mistakes in the ToS. "Our intention in updating the terms was to communicate that we’d like to experiment with innovative advertising that feels appropriate on Instagram," he wrote, noting that advertising isn't the only way to build "a self-sustaining business."

It's not clear what Instagram has in mind for its ads. Much like parent company Facebook, it may want to personalize those ads as much as possible. Instagram may note that your friend follows Starbucks, for example, and suggest you do the same. What is for sure is that Instagram will not sell your photos, it has no plans to use your photos in ads, and that if your account is private, only people you've approved to follow you will ever see your photos.

For those who are concerned, there are some alternative photo-sharing platforms out there. EyeEm, Hipstamatic, and even Flickr, the elder statesperson of photo-sharing communities. If quick photo filters are your bag, Twitter has them on its mobile apps now. For those a little more adventurous, Cinemagram and GifBoom let you create GIFs on the go. Just be sure to check those services' privacy agreements first.

Who knows, perhaps this might even get people to share photos on Google+. The Google-owned photo-editing app Snapseed has built-in sharing options to that community. However, there's no way to check out your friends' pics from within Snapseed; you'll have to venture to Google+ instead.

National Geographic, Wired writer Mat Honan, and singer Pink are just three of the well-known Instagram users who are leaving the photo-sharing community because of its controversial new terms of service.